U18s: Sheed boosts standing in big WA win

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WEST Australian captain Dominic Sheed has played a starring role through the midfield in his state's 62-point demolition of Tasmania in their round one clash of the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships at Aurora Stadium on Sunday.

Sheed, who has been compared with Brisbane Lions champion Simon Black, collected 32 disposals and a game-high eight clearances.

Originally from Kalgoorlie, the 18-year-old has been plying his trade at WAFL club Subiaco and it was his ability to win the ball in tight and then spread in to open space which would have impressed recruiters on Sunday.

With likely high draft pick Blake Acres sidelined by a shoulder injury, Sheed set the tone for his teammates.

The collective spread of the West Australian team was a clear feature, as they worked their Tasmanian opponents over with some strong link up run.

Sheed was central to this style of play, but he was also supported by East Fremantle's Jarrad Jansen (28 disposals) and Patrick Cripps (26) – the third cousin of West Coast Eagles recruit Jamie.

As such, the Sandgropers managed to split Tasmania open on a number of occasions on the fat side of the ground with their ball use a genuine highlight.